As israeli President Isaac Herzog prepares for meetings wiht former President Donald Trump in the United States, he’s voicing concerns about shifting political dynamics and external pressures facing Israel. Herzog revealed in a recent interview with *Politico* that Trump repeatedly suggested a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while a more immediate concern centers on the incoming mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and his publicly critical stance toward Israel’s actions in Gaza [[1]]. Herzog is also addressing growing anti-Israel sentiment, particularly fueled by online narratives, as he seeks to bolster international understanding during a sensitive period.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is preparing for a trip to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump. Ahead of the visit, Herzog discussed his concerns regarding the American political landscape in an interview with
Politico
.
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Herzog revealed that Trump has repeatedly suggested a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with the ongoing corruption trial. However, Herzog firmly stated that any decision regarding a pardon must be made within Israel, and in the best interests of the Israeli people.
A more pressing concern for Herzog is the upcoming election of New York City’s next mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Unlike his predecessors, Mamdani has not publicly expressed support for Israel. In fact, the incoming mayor, who is Muslim, has been sharply critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, stating that Netanyahu should be arrested should he set foot in New York, in accordance with
an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC)
.
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“I am extremely troubled by the statements made by the incoming mayor, Mamdani,” Herzog said, adding that Mamdani, like previous mayors, should visit Israel to gain a better understanding of the culture of the large Jewish community in New York. The remarks come as Israel faces increasing scrutiny over its policies and actions in the region.
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Herzog also addressed a growing anti-Israel sentiment within the United States, attributing it to what he described as inaccurate and misleading reporting about the situation in Gaza.
“It comes from TikTok, from a very superficial discourse about the current situation, images or viewpoints, and doesn’t judge based on the bigger picture,” he explained.
“There are billions and tens of billions of dollars invested in this brainwashing machine that won’t tell the real truth. And we may be completely alone, but we will continue to tell the truth: We did not seek this war. We did not want this war,” Herzog stated, according to
The Times of Israel
.
